During July 1942, the 24th Australian Brigade, under Brigadier Arthur Godfrey, played a crucial role on the northern flank of the First Battle of El Alamein. Operating as part of the 9th Australian Division, the brigade included the 2/28th, 2/32nd, and 2/43rd Infantry Battalions, with the 2/24th Battalion temporarily attached from the 26th Brigade for offensive operations.
On 10 July, elements of the brigade participated in a coordinated offensive toward Tel el Eisa. The 2/24th Battalion successfully captured Trig 33 and overran the German 621 Signals Intelligence Company—a significant blow to Rommel’s command and control. Meanwhile, the 2/28th and 2/43rd Battalions advanced onto Tel el Eisa ridge, capturing hundreds of Italian prisoners, many from the Sabratha Division, and securing a position that dominated the coast road.
Between 11 and 15 July, the brigade entrenched and held off determined counterattacks from German and Italian forces, including units of the 15th Panzer Division and the Trento Division. Artillery barrages, tank probes, and infantry assaults were repelled as the Australians fought from hastily-dug positions under heavy shellfire.
On 16 July, the 2/24th Battalion launched an attack on Point 24, a strongly-held Axis position near Tel el Eisa. This operation met fierce resistance, with the battalion suffering over 65% casualties in one day. Efforts to consolidate gains in subsequent days were complicated by continuous air raids and shortages of water and ammunition in exposed forward positions.
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